Imagine being able to detect dementia years before any symptoms appear. This is now possible thanks to a groundbreaking new blood test. Researchers at McGill University have made a significant breakthrough in early detection, particularly for people with a specific sleep disorder called idiopathic REM sleep behavior disorder (iRBD). This condition causes people to act out their dreams while sleeping and is linked to a high risk of developing dementia with Lewy bodies, a form of dementia that affects memory and movement.
The blood test analyzes two proteins in the blood that are biomarkers for Alzheimer’s disease. In a study involving 150 patients with iRBD, the test was able to predict dementia in almost 90% of those who later developed the disease. This is a remarkable achievement, as it could allow doctors to plan personalized treatments and interventions early on.
This discovery also highlights a connection between Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases, suggesting that treatments for Alzheimer’s might be effective for patients with iRBD. The researchers plan to expand their study to include patients with Parkinson’s disease and other at-risk populations.
While this breakthrough is promising, it’s important to note
